Mt. Allamuchy Scout Reservation

Camp Somers and Camp Wheeler

Camp Somers and Camp Wheeler are located in beautiful Mt. Allamuchy Scout Reservation, just off I-80 in New Jersey. Bordered on the east by 9,000 acre Allamuchy Mountain State Park, the reservation lies in a sheltered environment whose natural serenity is only interrupted by the sound of campfire songs. Mt. Allamuchy gives Scouts ample opportunities for fun, exciting activities in addition to those traditionally provided by the all-volunteer staff of the Hudson-Delaware LDS Regional Scout Encampment (LDS Camp). Camp Somers, along with nearby Camp Wheeler, will be the setting for the 2018 LDS Camp.

Older youth can be nominated to be part of the special Eagle Corps leadership program. The Eagle Corps takes an active role during flag ceremonies and campfires, and teaches merit badges alongside experienced instructors. Learn more about the Eagle Corps program.

2018 LDS Camp will be Monday through Saturday, June 25 through 30, 2018. Upon arriving at camp, you will leave your gear in the marked locations in the parking lot, then enter the dining hall for check-in and orientation. Immediately after check-in, your troop will be taken to the waterfront for swim checks, so you will need to have a bathing suit and towel with you. During your swim check, the camp staff will deliver your gear to your campsite.

Scouts will spend 6 hours each day in merit badge classes. Over 2 hours of free time is built in to the schedule daily—during this time Scouts can earn additional merit badges, swim, boat, or participate in many other activities. The evenings are filled with camp fire programs, skits, ceremonies, and other fun and inspirational programs. Check out the daily schedule.

Over 1,800 youth from LDS troops all across the region have attended camp in the last decade. These youth, many of which live in cities far from the "outdoors", enjoy a unique opportunity to experience a huge variety of merit badge subjects that are taught most effectively in an outdoor setting. These include Archery, Camping, Canoeing, Climbing, Environmental Science, Fishing, Kayaking, Swimming and Lifesaving, Rifle and Shotgun Shooting, Sailing, Whitewater, Wilderness Survival, and much, much more. Nearly all of the badges are taught by volunteers.

LDS Camp's aquatics program is second-to-none, offering 18 different merit badges, awards, and classes. All classes are taught in or on the pond, or on the nearby Delaware River. The program is staffed by certified and experienced adults and older youth from the LDS troops served by the camp, almost all of whom received their first lifeguard training at LDS Camp. Scouts and adults with prior training interested in serving on the aquatics staff will please contact the Aquatics Director. Those without any prior experience: enroll in BSA Lifeguard. Adults may enroll by contacting the Aquatics Director.

Many program areas, including the waterfront, shooting ranges, main office, and first aid station are staffed by nationally-trained adult volunteers from the LDS troops served by the camp. Many of these attended LDS Camp themselves as youth, and return each year to serve and teach the youth.